06/18/08
Text: Nik Mercer
Most tours are constructed in a rather logical manner. Either a headline bands selects a group they'd like to play shows with (of Montreal picking up MGMT or No Age with Mika Miko, for example) or two or three groups are asked—on behalf of a P.R. firm or record label—to join forces for a mutually-beneficial live stint (Black Kids and the Virgins). Rarely do a pair of completely different acts come together for a tour that confuses audiences, labels, and fans alike.
One of our favorite artists of 2008, Santogold, has announced one of the most confounding live schedules in recent memory: she'll be supporting Coldplay on part of their trek across the upper forty-eight. Santogold! The "L.E.S. Artists" girl! The New York response to M.I.A.! The awesome chick who pumped out Summer jams we don't feel guilty listening to! What's wrong with her!? She may be the "the future of music, today," but her move to support Coldplay seems especially skewed and marketing-driven. It's like what Hilary Clinton hopes to gain by becoming Barak Obama's running mate. Attempting to create a completely middle-of-the-road tour isn't beneficial to anyone and a major turn off. Dates are below, but you won't see us at any of them.
July
20 New York, NY Central Park SummerStage (headlining)
23 Chicago, IL United Center (supporting Coldplay)
25 Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Center (supporting Coldplay)
29 Montreal, Bell Center (supporting Coldplay)
30 Toronto Air Canada Center (supporting Coldplay)
August
2 Hartford, CT XL Center (supporting Coldplay)
3 Washington DC Verizon Center (supporting Coldplay)
4 Boston, MA TB Banknorth Garden (supporting Coldplay)
